The Knowledge: Paloma Faith on how to be confident in the spotlight

The singer and face of Triumph Paloma Faith shares her secrets to being a shining success

BY Rachael Dove |
08 December 2013

Paloma Faith is part of Triumph’s 'Supporting Women in Making’ campaign

Prepare your mind
Before I go on stage, everyone has to leave my dressing-room to give me a quiet moment to myself. I run through my forthcoming performance in my head while doing my own hair and make-up. Taking time to think ahead is important preparation for any nerve-racking event, whether it's a big presentation or meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time.

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Look the part
Go into a vulnerable situation feeling your absolute best. For me, that means getting dressed up and wearing a bit of glam make-up. I really make an effort to accentuate my best features and always wear nice underwear - even if no one is going to see it - because I think it makes me stand more boldly. Looking confident on the outside helps you to feel confident on the inside.

Find supportive friends
I was very shy as a child. I had a dominating friend who often put me in situations where I didn't feel comfortable. Breaking off our friendship marked the point where I started to think for myself and feel much more confident. It's important to stand on your own two feet.

Be certain of your flaws
If you harbour uncertainty about yourself and your actions, it makes other people feel uncertain about you too. For example, I'm a messy eater and I always spill food. Even if I feel embarrassed, I will point it out and confidently ask for a serviette so that people find it endearing or funny rather than awkward or weird. I act as if I am proud of my flaws; it's better than being self-deprecating, which makes you feel worse.

Stand tall
Look people in the eye; looking down is like putting yourself beneath them. When I enter a room, I make eye contact straightaway and follow it with some sort of physical contact. I find people who try too hard to be loud and have swagger irritating. I'd steer clear of acting like that. Being a confident person is not as superficial as having a loud voice.

Focus on your own path
I like to be pleased for my friends' successes but I try not to compare myself to others; it can breed negative feelings. Validation from others has its place, but I don't rely on it. It's good to know who you can turn to for an honest opinion. For me, it's my mum.

Keep calm and carry on
The playwright Antonin Artaud describes how we all play a role in society: a fireman adopts the role of a fireman, a secretary becomes a secretary. Remember that beneath the surface of their roles others feel insecure too. There are a lot of brave faces. Regardless of what is going on, I must play my part, even if I'm not at my most confident. The show must go on.